@California Travel Insider

Tuesday, 19 July 2016

Barbara's Bites on the Best Ice Cream Sandwich in Sacramento It was true then and it's true now!

If you haven't figured it out by now, I am very specific when it comes food. Not all things food, but there are those things I would say, "I am a snob when it comes to ______," You can fill in the blank. Now don't misunderstand. I love to eat just about anything and everything. But some things, well, I have my standards.

Ice cream is one of those things where my standards are high. But particularly, and in this case, ice cream sandwiches. It's all about the sandwich AND the ice cream. I must say I have been jaded because Sacramento has a FABULOUS cookie shop where they also make ice cream sandwiches right before your eyes and taste buds. Goodie Tuchews isn't alone in this world of ice cream sandwich creations, but what owner Terry O'Reilly has is more than 35 years in the cookie kingdom, producing 19 (yes, that's a one and a nine) varieties of cookies from which to assemble a luscious ice cream sandwich.

The combinations are nearly endless. How about Snickerdoodle top and Milk Chocolate Chip bottom? Hmmm, how do you determine which end is up?! It doesn't matter, it's still delicious. Or an Oatmeal Everything (that would be raisins, nuts and chocolate chips) and Chocolate Peanut Butter. Yeoweeeee! My personal fave is the Snickerdoodle top and bottom. Terry only has one ice cream flavor but it's an excellent choice and also VERY local, the wonderfully smooth and creamy vanilla ice cream from the landmark of 77 years of ice cream joy, Gunther's. If you want a special order, then Terry is happy to provide other Gunther's ice cream flavors,but be sure to plan ahead. A sure winner, Goodie Tuchews ice cream sandwiches have been dessert at more than one of my family celebrations. Located in downtown Sacramento at 1015 L Street, you need to get your ice cream sandwich fix Monday through Friday. Come early or call ahead, 916/444-6048.

Monday, 11 July 2016

I fell in love with Nixtaco last year at the Auburn Farmers Market. The owner, Patricio Wise, had a small booth with a limited menu. Despite it's diminutive size, the descriptions were so delicious I couldn't decide and asked for guidance. He suggested the pork belly taco with pickled onions. I'll keep this brief and simply say, "OMG!" An explosion of flavors danced in my mouth. Sadly, the party was over too soon. And that's what I kept saying to everyone I met.

Elated to hear a storefront was in the making, I whined and begged a bit, "Please come to Sacramento!" But Patricio and Nixtaco opted for an obscure corner in Roseville — damn you Placer County! I waited with bated breath. Once I heard that opening bell, I made the drive from downtown Sacramento. Wild horses wouldn't/couldn't keep me away. And so, as part of my birth-month celebration, I posted to Patricio, "I'm on the way!"

The location is generic, but that's where it ends and deliciousness begins. Everything — I mean everything — is made with love and true to its Mexican roots. Honestly, most ethnic foods are dumbed- or watered-down for American taste buds. Plus, Americans expect huge portions heaped and spreading over the edges of plates. At Nixtaco, diminutive street tacos and burritos are bountiful and flavorful as they should be. Not stuffed to the point of exploding — three perfect bites — eat them slowly savoring every morsel.

On this birthday lunch, friend Barbara R. joined in as a first-timer and was thrilled. We both opted for the three-taco special(s) and over-lapped in some choices which included: Pork Belly, Pollo en Mole, Short Rib Barbacoa and Asado Norteño. I love, love, LOVE the black beans. We watched fresh tortillas being made, ate too many house-made chips, guacamole and salsa(s), and chatted away happily long after finishing every scrap. I like the simplicity service on metal trays and mason jars for the salsa. Less waste in our landfills or water wasted washing dishes. I would love to see some really fabulous art - maybe a cool mural by friend Dos Hermano/Gabriel Romo next time he visits from Mexico!

For those who commented about prices being high and portions small: This is a small, locally grown, genuine experience. Quality. You get what you pay for which doesn't always mean a plate piled sky high. Nothing artificial here. Everything is made in-house. And just like any new business, there are bound to be hiccups. The owners are there watching carefully and putting heart and soul into what I hope will be a very successful venture.

Their website says, "Three bites of pleasure!" Are You That Woman is here to say three thumbs up along with those five (5) stars above. Patricio you'll forgive me if I continue to whine just a little, "Please come to Sacramento...after you catch your breath!"

Tuesday, 05 July 2016

We don’t want to bore you, but the statistics are staggering! They validate why the Sacramento region (and California) reigns as America’s Farm-to-Fork Capital. The region claims more than 7,200 farms and 150 unique crops. Just over 1.4 million acres of the region’s six-county land base are devoted to agricultural production with about 20 commissions and 40 marketing and promotion boards working to support and market the growers they represent.

California’s Gold Rush delivered more than 14K riches. Prospectors seeking their fortunes brought Bartlett pear trees to California by 1849. The Delta town of Courtland is famous for its pear orchards and 44-year-old Pear Fair. A 150-year-old legacy, there’s a heritage pear grove that's still being harvested near Courtland! “We have fifth- and sixth-generation growers who want to keep doing this work – the same families and the same lands. There’s a very strong connection to the community,” said Chris Zanobini, Executive Director, California Pear Advisory Board.

Who knew eating fresh could be so delectable and healthy? Well, the California Pear Advisory Board has a hand-up on that information. Consider “a pear a day”! Pears are loaded with healthy fiber! That may not sound sexy or exciting, but according to the American Dietetic Association, “Getting enough fiber on a daily basis is critical to maintaining health – from helping to achieve or maintain a healthy weight, healthy lipid profiles, stable blood sugar, and normal GI function.” Number one in so many ways, California leads the nation in Bartlett pears yielding about 165,000 tons of sweetness and beneficial fruit annually. All of this translates into a healthier, happier you.

Our region’s present is inextricably linked to its past. In 1849, the Gold Rush brought thousands of Chinese to the region. Growing rice to meet the demand was unsuccessful for 50 years. The problem? Farmers were trying to grow long grain rice to meet the demand for rice consumption. It’s great for the tropics, but not Sacramento Valley’s Mediterranean climate. Enter 1908 and the introduction of Japonica rice. It thrived in our temperate climate. “They struck gold twice!” exclaimed Tim Johnson, President/CEO, California Rice Commission. “The first successful crops were centered just south of Chico – Biggs and Fruitvale – the climate and heavy clay soils were perfect!” The combination led to an industry that produced 550,000 acres of rice in 2013 with 97 percent of the state’s rice crop grown in the Sacramento Valley. All the sushi rice – a Japonica – used in the USA is grown here and exported all over the world. Now that’s an OMG! factoid.

Rice has healthful benefits of vitamins and minerals, too. However, it also enriches our environment and lives in a very special way. Mostly gone are the days when rice straw was burned after harvest – reducing our air quality. Today, grain harvesters disk 350 pounds of grain per acre after which most rice paddies are flooded. This attracts insects and creates about 700 pounds of food per acre attracting waterfowl and shorebirds along the Pacific Flyway. “This was a new revelation – we didn’t know how important the rice fields are to them.” Thousands of birds descend each year inundating the fields. Wildlife and nature tourism provides a secondary boost to local economies. Numerous wildlife festivals have been created encouraging everyone – with a special emphasis on children – to get outdoors and engage. The benefits are huge. Healthy minds are healthy bodies.

Sidebar Factoid: There are more than 41 Certified Farmers Markets in the Sacramento Region and 24 Certified Farmers Markets in Sacramento County. For certified markets the California farmers grow 100% of products they sell!

Saturday, 02 July 2016

Courtesy of Cali Slice PizzaOriginally published February 24, 2015 Examiner.com

This is a real treat along an otherwise unremarkable stretch of Fruitridge Road. Glad we decided to check out this newer New York-style pizza establishment -- opened in July 2014. Owner and chef, Jimmy, is really trying to make a difference putting his heart and soul into these hand-crafted thin-crust pizzas. I loved the crispy texture and the tomato sauce had just a hint of oregano. We got just a couple of slices of old-fashioned pepperoni but it really hit the spot. I would have liked a little more pepperoni, but it was still delish. Freshly made, slices arrived wonderfully warm. The menu also includes calzone and house-made wings -- I will definitely be back to try these. There's a large selection of pizza toppings to customize your pie or slice. They also have a gluten-free option, but this dough is out-sourced.

This hole-in-the-wall -- and that's what it is from the outside -- deserves your attention. Jimmy's hoping to expand the space. No beer (sadly), but the local dive bar Idle Hour is right across the parking lot.

And check this, Cali Slice Pizza is open six days a week and until 3am on weekends.

Plan your taste of Yuba-Sutter during autumn when harvests and seasonal festivals are abundant. Highways and country roads link Yuba and Sutter counties to history-rich communities. A short drive from Sacramento, Gold Rush-era towns and multi-generational farmlands overlap in a most delicious way. From the Central Valley -- California’s agricultural heartland – to Sierra Nevada foothills, Yuba and Sutter’s proverbial plate overflows with both farm-to-fork and cultural and outdoor recreation delights!

Stop by Visit Yuba-Sutter’s visitor center for regional maps and brochures including the North Yuba Grown farm trail map, a guiding light to farm stands, wineries, and locavore shops north of Marysville. Soil, topography and climate inspire hand-crafted wines from Renaissance, Lucero and Clos Saron – Cabernet, Chardonnay and Pinot Noir – and olive oils from Apollo and Athena’s Grove do the region proud. A feast for your senses, explore local art and seasonal fare at Yuba Harvest. Located in Oregon House and the Sierra Nevada foothills, wine tasting, art, local produce and small town hospitality are waiting.

Along Highway 99 in Sutter County, the striped awning above Stephen’s Farmhouse beckons. Farm-fresh pies and cookies, jellies and jams, pickled veggies of all kinds, and seasonal produce and walnuts will tempt the most discerning palate. Your favorite pooch will love the homemade Snicker Poodles.

Drive, hike or bike the Sutter Buttes, the world’s smallest mountain range. Ancient volcanic soils and cool breezes breathe life into Cordi Winery’s grapes and award-winning wines. Bring a picnic and enjoy the view. Continue on scenic back roads to Sutter and the Sutter Buttes Natural & Artisan Foods. Bring an appetite for olive oils, infused vinegars, gourmet mustards, and dipping sauces. Among many award-winning products, their Blood-Orange Brownie Kit brought home Sofi gold at the 2015 New York Fancy Food Show. You can bring it home, too! In late November, look for Moody’s Middle Mountain Mandarins self-serve farm stand.

Lose yourself at the Sikh Festival, possibly the largest cultural event in California. The first Sunday in November, it’s a cacophony of color and aromas. Each November, harvested rice fields attract migrating wildlife. Along with thousands of tundra swans, nature enthusiasts arrive to celebrate at the annual California Swan Festival. Guided tours include Gray Lodge Wildlife Refuge and Sutter Buttes. An unparalleled experience, the Buttes’ privately owned lands are accessible only through Middle Mountain Interpretive Hikes. California Watchable Wildlife provides the best information on wildlife and nature tourism -- viewing and events -- in the region.

With so many tasty options, make Yuba-Sutter a play and stay getaway. Many tasting rooms, country stores, and farms are seasonal or open weekends only. Always call ahead for days and hours of operation.

Soleil Mexican American Cuisine newly opened on Stockton Boulevard, relocated from downtown Sacramento where as Cafe Soleil they reigned for 20 years in Cesar Chavez Park. Cafe Soleil served amazing breakfasts and lunches — an enormous menu all prepared from scratch and served to thousands over the years. Surprising to learn they had closed. Still more surprising that they have relocated across from UC Davis Med Center. This one-time orange freeze stand (locally known as Merlino's) and most recently a chicken cafe is a landmark on Stockton Boulevard. Thrilled to see the "orange"open again and under the culinary skills of Soleil, the street tacos, homemade chips and salsa are divine.

There is only outdoor seating — a big plus with so many sunny Sacramento days. Don't let rain (when that happens) keep you away -- they easily do takeout. The menu includes homemade soups, sandwiches, breakfast burritos, tacos, tortas and more. Soleil opened in mid-November 2015. Open Monday-Friday for breakfast and lunch, the new menu is smaller but expanding; still incredibly delicious. Stop by, meet and greet the new neighbors. With few places to eat within walking distance of the hospital, Soleil is certain to have many new friends.

With notes of raspberry, citrus and lavender, Juan Valdez wouldn’t recognize a 21st-Century cuppa joe. In the realm of specialty coffees, the professional practice of cuppings – observing tastes and aromas of coffee – has risen to new heights with Sacramento roasters well-ahead of the pack. At the University of Coffee – figuratively speaking – coffee education and roasting is elevated to an art and full-time profession. Similar to winemakers, roasters coax flavors and aromas from their beans. Coffee Review, the world’s leading coffee guide, does blind tastings and scores beans accordingly. The maximum score is 100. Anything 90+ is considered outstanding. Sacramento wear’s it coffee crown proudly, with more than four roasters at or above this gold standard.

The Farm-to-Fork Capital has a new moniker as one of the world’s top coffee destinations making Specialty Coffee Week and SPLAT (Sacramento Public Latte Art Tournament) an easy sell. No surprise to Temple Coffee Roasters owner, Sean Kohmescher. Temple has received astounding evaluations from Coffee Review including 97 points – a near perfect score – for their heirloom coffee, Guatemala Hunapu Antigua Bourbon, and was named one of America’s top roasters.

After working in San Francisco Chris needed sunshine and seasons. He migrated to Sacramento with Chris Pendarvis (Naked Coffee) but didn’t think he would stay. Surprise! He really liked it. I opened Temple opened downtown in 2005 as the first coffeehouse to sell single-origin coffee, sourcing our beans directly from the farmers. We were 3rd wave from the beginning pushing the envelope, creating community and teaching coffee classes in the 9th Street basement. We don’t know where it’s heading. Younger cats are moving to Sacramento from Roseville and Folsom. We create the city we want to live in; put it on the table and make it happen. Like that first love, it evolves. We’re waiting for the 4th wave. TempleCoffee.com